The Syrian American Council and Americans for a Free Syria Commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Syrian Revolution

Ten years after courageous protestors took to the streets in Syria, the Syrian American Council and Americans for a Free Syria recommit to a vision of a free Syria

WASHINGTON D.C., March 15, 2021 –  Today, the Syrian American Council and Americans for a Free Syria pay remembrance to the ten years of hope, loss, and bravery that have characterized the Syrian Revolution. Both organizations work directly with Syrians and Syrian Americans who have demonstrated the utmost courage as they strive for a free and democratic Syria, and together, honor their tireless efforts. 

On this occasion, the undersigned organizations recommit to a vision of a free Syria where justice and accountability prevail, and reiterate the five essential principles that must guide any meaningful end to the Syrian conflict:

• Political independence
  • Constitutional declaration
  • Fully-fledged transitional governing body based on the Geneva Communique 1 (2013) and on UN Security Council Resolution 2254
  • Foundational conference
  • Constitution
  • Elections 
• Achieving Transitional Justice
• Security Independence,
  • Removing all foreign powers and militias 
  • Rebuilding the foundations of military and security institutions 
  • Peacekeeping forces that respect human rights
  • A military under civilian authority 
• Economic Independence,
  • Linking economic recovery measures to a real political transition 
    • Lifting international economic sanctions on Syria as soon as the transitional governing body is established. 
    • Releasing the frozen assets of the Syrian state around the world and assistance in returning looted Syrian assets deposited abroad and placing these assets under the management of a transitional national government.  
  • Tying reconstruction to the creation of the first national transitional government.  
• and the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees.

The Syrian people have suffered from a decade of war and destruction brought on by the Assad regime and its allies and are now facing a mounting economic crisis and the battle against COVID-19 - a crisis exacerbated by the destruction of the country’s healthcare system by the regime. The continuing implementation of sanctions against regime officials under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 represents a good first step towards accountability by the United States. The undersigned organizations also applaud recent actions taken by European courts to hold those who have committed atrocities against Syrian civilians accountable for their crimes and call on the United States to continue to work with the international community to continue to pursue justice and accountability measures alongside a peaceful political transition.

A peaceful political transition pursuant to United Nations Security Resolution 2254 remains the only viable path to lasting peace in Syria, and the United States must demonstrate leadership in pursuit of such an outcome. Now is the time to work together for a free, democratic, and pluralistic Syria.

Media Contact:
Jenny Lindell
[email protected]
562-335-4149